Newport News brothers recover after escaping house fire

Amoundo Grier, 42, of Newport News, was shot four times in the early 2000s while he was living in Charlotte and survived, Kelly Grier said.

"He was paralyzed on his left side, but he was alive," he said.

However, after Amoundo Grier escaped death once again last week after being severely burned in a fire at his 36th Street home, Kelly Grier said he believes his brother's life is truly blessed.

"Amoundo is a real blessing," he said.

Kelly Grier said Amoundo Grier and their brother Chris Grier were among the five residents that escaped the March 19 blaze that someone set at the boarding house in the 1000 block of 36th Street.

It took 30 firefighters to battle the blaze that began after 4 a.m., Newport News fire officials said. The flames — which were coming from the first and second floors — spread rapidly because of the voids in the walls, floors and ceilings of the home, fire officials said.

Amoundo and Chris Grier were asleep in the room they shared at the residence when they woke up to the fire, Kelly Grier said.

Chris Grier moved quickly to help Amoundo — who could not use his left arm and walks by dragging his left leg — get out of the house, Kelly Grier said. He said Chris Grier placed Amoundo Grier on a ledge outside of a second floor window and had him roll to the ground. Chris Grier then jumped from the ledge, Kelly Grier said. He said neither of his brothers had broken bones, but both were rushed to Riverside Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Chris Grier was hospitalized there for several days while being treated for smoke inhalation, Kelly Grier said. Amoundo Grier's injuries were the most severe. He, too, was treated for smoke inhalation but was airlifted to Sentara Norfolk General for treatment of second-degree burns to his ears, nose, arms, forehead and part of his chest, Kelly Grier said.

Amoundo was scheduled to be released from the hospital Wednesday, Kelly Grier said.

Police arrested and charged 27-year-old Lawrence Joseph Barnes March 19 in connection to the fire.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Newport News General District Court, Lawrence told a fire investigator that he set the house on fire.

Kelly Grier said Barnes lived in the boarding house, but didn't know what caused him to set the fire. However, he said he wants Barnes to be punished.

"I'm just happy my brothers are alive," he said. "The gentleman who did this should never see the streets again."